Russia’s easternmost region is set to become a whole lot more animated. The government of Khabarovsk Krai, a territory much closer to East Asia than Moscow, has signed a memorandum with SMF Studio to develop a local animation “cluster.”
SMF Studio is the alias of Soyuzmultfilm, the state-owned animation producer that rose to global prominence in the Soviet era. The studio has confirmed to Cartoon Brew that it will work with the government of Khabarovsk to stimulate animation production in the territory, and also to develop educational infrastructure and cultural events related to animation.
The initiative has several components. SMF will work with a higher-education institution in Khabarovsk to develop specialized animation training. A kids’ entertainment and educational center, Soyuzmultclub, will open in the city of Khabarovsk. There are also plans to hold an animation festival this August to mark SMF’s 85th anniversary.
